Diagnosis: Broken Prop

In our last episode, we left off with the mystery of the loud vibration emanating from Dragonfly's drive train.  We managed to limp into Stingaree Marina, but were unable to do any diagnosis until the screaming north winds abated.

I postulated that the problem might be related to the propeller.  I must dive on it and take a look.  I had a diving mask, fins, and snorkel aboard.

In my new wet suit

In my first attempt, I tried just bundling up in my thickest wools and sweats.  But it took about a half a minute in that ice-cold water to realize that would not work.  So with Jeremy volunteering to drive down and provide transportation, we made a trip to Texas Scuba Adventures in Galveston, where I purchased a wet suit.  Now was a good a time as ever to make the plunge and acquire one.

When planning this trip, I envisioned diving into the warm, crystal-clear Bahamian waters and marveling at the coral reefs and fish and other underwater wonders.  Little did I know that the first time I would go into the water, it would be in this ice-cold, muddy-as-chocolate-milk sludge of a marina on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Dragonfly at haul-out

I first tied a rope to the dock and ran it underneath the hull, so I had something to grab ahold of and counteract my body's buoyancy.  Then it was down into the muddy sludge!  Even with the wetsuit, It was cold as hell.  Underneath the hull, I couldn't see a darn thing.  Despite the sunshine, it was black as night down there.  Holding onto my grab rope, all I could do was feel around.  Fortunately, I had a decent mental picture of the boat's underside.  Finally I felt the shaft, and followed it down to the propeller.

What's this?!?  My prop had TWO blades, last time I saw it when Dragonfly was hauled out.  But I only feel one blade!  A few more gulps of air and subsequent dives confirmed the verdict:  one of the prop blades had completely snapped off.  This absolutely explained the wild vibration we experienced, and why it quit when in neutral.  What's really amazing, however, is that we had any forward propulsion at all! 

What now?  Well, I made a few phone calls, and talked to a diver in Galveston who has changed out props underwater.  That does sound easier than having to get towed to a shipyard and hauled out - again.  And hopefully, my boat insurance might cover this. 

On the nearby beach.  Gulf is unusually calm!

In the meantime, we remain stranded here at Stingaree.  It's actually a pretty nice place to get stuck.  We have water, electricity, restroom, bicycles, a grocery store not far away, and a big, wide-open wooden deck upon which to admire the lovely scenery. 

(That is, if you don't mind the barges and towboats that come by at all hours and kick up big wakes that rock Dragonfly bigtime.)

Joan and Snow enjoying a sundowner

At least we have lovely sunsets